To say the least, 2024 has been a year of the arts with several hits out including TV shows, movies, and Broadway shows. Romeo and Juliet hit the stage on October 24 of this year, already gaining incredible attraction and popularity. This traditional tale of tragic romance has been produced with a modern twist.
The characters of Romeo and Juliet are played by actors who have gained much popularity from their recents productions. Kit Connor, who is now widely recognized by his role as Nick Nelson in Heartstopper, plays Romeo. Rachel Zegler who recently performed in the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, plays Juliet. Both stars made their Broadway debuts.
Actors in the show assume mixed gender roles. In most shows we watch, there is an actor for every character, a man to play a male role, and a woman to play a female role. This production shows a different perspective to these stereotypes, allowing characters like Capulet and Lady Capulet to be played by the same person.
Bringing the classic tale a modern take, actors use Shakespearan dialogue with a mix of modern language and actions. For a majority of the play the characters speak or sing as they would have in the 14th-century, however, during occasional scenes they switch to 20th-century slang.
Modernism is also shown in the show through the wardrobe selected for the cast in addition to the props. 400 years ago, the fashion ideal was to dress in dresses, gowns, and suits. However, the cast in this production wear mesh tank tops, cropped shirts, short skirts, bulky boots, and sparkly jumpers. Props like a cart of teddy bears are used to symbolize youth, reminding us that the story is of two teenagers who were brought up to act like adults, fighting sides because of family disputes.
Traditional Broadway shows have a large stage at the front facing rows of separated audience seating. In this show, the stage is circular and smaller than most sets, and the cast uses the entire space. Their entrances and acting are done across the theater, on top of doorways, on beams above the audience, and on the stairs. A show typically includes a very limited set of interaction between the performers and the audience, but in this rendition of Romeo and Juliet the actors interact with the audience both at the beginning of the show and throughout, spoken to, handed props, or even asked to give up seating for a short amount of time.
In my opinion, this show did an incredible job of creating a unique experience. It was not only entertaining, but fun and interactive. Due to the 14th-century dialogue, I found certain parts to be difficult to follow, but the actors and props made it easier to understand. I would definitely recommend this play to someone looking for a new show to watch. Kit Connor, Rachel Zegler, and the rest of the cast will continue to perform until February of 2025.
